Northern Pass officials said today that the maximum height of towers that it wants to build in the White Mountain National Forest could be lowered to 85 feet — a reduction of about 37 percent from the previous maximum of 135 feet.

Northern Pass said it could do so because of a V-string design, which reduces spacing requirements and the amount of movement during windy conditions.

The reduction keeps transmission lines a safe distance from the edge of the 150-foot right of way, Northern Pass said.

However, White Mountain crossings account for only about 10 miles of the 180-mile route that Northern Pass has published on its website.

“Northern Pass Transmission is pleased to announce this proposed redesign as a positive step forward in ensuring the transmission corridor in the White Mountain National Forest can continue to co-exist with the Forest, as it has for the past 60 years,” Northern Pass said in a press statement.

Last summer, Northern Pass filed an application with the U.S. Forest Service for use of the existing right of way.

Since then, Northern Pass engineers have worked to improve the design, the company said.

“As before, this new design can safely be sited within the existing 150-foot right-of-way without the need for widening,” the company said in a statement.